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'It was my promise when I was with you at Gwydir last to see you at my next coming to the country; how I was hastened to Ireland you know.' On the 15th November they received command from the King to return with the first passage, and four days after the receipt thereof parted with Ireland and came within a league of Holyhead when a cross wind put them into the Isle of Man. On Saturday they came to Beaumaris. Is sorry he cannot come to Gwydir as he must appear in London before the King. Conveys expressions of friendship. Desires him to send William ap Jevan ap Rees to Conwy the following day.

Whereas Sir John has been informed that the writer deals in lead mines, assures him this is not the case, for he has not dealt therein for many years. There is a Derbyshire man who has dealt in these mines very near a twelvemonth, and has paid 40s. a ton for it and smelts it in one of the writer's mills. Believes he would give a better price for his ore than for Sir John's, as without question it yields more lead and is better for smelting.

Six questions, in the autograph of Sir John Wynn of Gwydir, 'touching Archdeacon Price's cause, whereof I desire to be resolved by my cousin Mr Phillip Gerard.'. Appended: Gerard's answers to the questions.

Sends the injunction of the Court of Wards. Desires Sir John and his son Owen to appoint a time to meet Sir John Bodvell in Beaumaris, in order to discharge the trust reposed in them by the said court.

Acknowledging their letters of the last of March directed to Thomas Glynn, then Sheriff, and the rest of the Justices of the Peace, for the levy of troops in the King's service. Whereupon they divided the county into limits, performing the service in the commotes which come within the limits of the writers, namely, in Nanconway, Issaph, Crythyn and the town of Conway. They found the country exceeding poor, past belief, because their cattle, whereon they lived for the past four years, bear no price, and bread corn is exceeding dear. 'Of the little they had we found them willing ... to do His Majesty's service. Some, knowing we had no authority to levy it, would yield to nothing, and divers of them were papists, which, although they were drawn to promise at first, in the end would pay nothing.' John ap Richard, one of the Constables of Nanconway, tendered the 44s. collected to the Sheriff, a commissioner, who appointed one Robert Gruffith, gent., his deputy, to receive it, who gave his acquittance for the same. John ap Edward, the other Constable of Nanconway, tendered three pounds eight shillings to the said Robert Gruffith, which (as he said) by the direction of the High Sheriff, he refused to receive; and, calling John ap Richard, the other Constable, unto him, called for his acquittance back again, and delivered him the forty-four shillings, saying he would have no meddling with it. 'And I, William Holland, esquire, dwelling in the town of Conway, having gathered into my hands all or most part of that was due to His Majesty out of the said town of Conway and the commotes of Issaph and Crythyn, did tender it to the Sheriff, telling him what it was, who refused to receive it.'. Signed: Willm. Hollande; John Wynn of Gwydir.

Received the enclosed letter from Maurice Owen, whom Bodvel had entreated to go to the Council, with John Evans; but nothing was done in the matter. Is advised by Mr Attorney-General that he need not be present at the delivery of the pardon. Desires Sir John's advice as to how to act for the best.

Respecting the disagreement between Owen Wynn and Gruffith. There is a course to be performed at the Assizes between Sir William Jones and the writer, whereof Gruffith cannot be ignorant.

Thanking him for the fish. Endeavoured to leave his bed, where he lay sick of an ague, to meet cousin Owen Wynn to give him satisfaction, but Wynn would not meet him. Is not guilty of anything laid to his charge. Has not heard from Sir William Jones of what Sir John wrote.

As to news from Spain: some say His Highness will suddenly be here; others that the marriage is solemnized. In the meantime, certain preparations, that were made to go thither, have been stayed.

Marvels that the certificate from the Council has not come in. Refers to his wife's ill-health; should she journey to London it might cost her her life. She was not present at the clandestine marriage, therefore she need not be named in the pardon; neither are those who stood by liable to be fined.

My Lord's meres, in these parts, prove so fruitless that the writer thinks Aberglaselyn and Traethmawr will afford Sir John better store. The Lord help the poor farmers, who have to pay my Lord a great rent out of the means. Thanks Sir John for the rabbits. Is glad to hear of the safe arrival of Sir Richard Wynn in Spain. Money matters. Has been forced to pay Mr Lwmley Williams £30, in part payment of £300 due from my Lord to his mother, late wife of Mr Harry Williams, as dower from Cochwillan. Mutilated.

Cannot find the certificate Sir John wrote about. Has since learned that one of the attorneys took the same to London about a fortnight since, and delivered it to Sir John's son to be given to my Lord Keeper.

Refers to Ward's cause; intends to procure my Lord's letter to the Council. Encloses two letters from Sir Peter Mytton, wherein he signified that my Lord had given him directions to take up the differences between John Gruffith and 'us.' Desires to speak with my Lord showing that no cause is yet shown, but cannot come to speak with him, though he has often seen the writer at his house and spoken to him as he passed by, yet when 'my' brother and Jack Mostyn move him, he answers that he is too busy. Believes this to be true, for the posts from Spain come in twice or thrice a week, and he is still either writing with them or sent for to the King at Greenwich, to confer about those Spanish affairs, which (as the common report at this time goeth) proceed not well forwards. There is no remedy but patience. My Lord is very hot and choleric and will scarce endure to hear a man speak, except it be after dinner or supper. Money matters with Mr Blackwell and Mr Hare. Has delivered his father's letter to my Lord Verulam. They have not yet received a letter from Sir Richard, though posts come thither every day. Neither do the rest of that company write to their friends in England. The common report is that all letters to private men, that come by post, are continually suppressed and burnt, because there should be no intelligence given of what they intend to do in the Spanish business. Hopes Sir Richard and the rest of that company are well. They are kept in a house of the Duke de Mount de Lyons out of Madrid, all the Prince's company by themselves, and must not much stir abroad, and some report that most of the Prince's train have not seen the 'Prynces'' face as yet. 'If you have any occasion of business send to Ludlow to me by June 1st to Mr Robert Vaughan.' A decree is passed against Piers Holland; if cousin William Kyffyn or Thomas ap Humphrey of Boddlewyddan have a mind to his lands the writer can drive a bargain in the matter. Perhaps my Lord Bishop of St Asaph would gladly have it.

His wife has been ill, but is reasonably recovered. Purposes to send one of his men to Ludlow, in the Whitsun holidays, to meet 'brother' Owen to see what may be done in their business; the certificate is come in, and they will not proceed in it till they understand what my Lord Keeper will do therein.

Is glad to hear of Sir John's recovery. Has at length received the Commission for Pious Uses; let Sir John signify to the Sheriff, Sir John Bodvell, that he has detained it somewhat long, or they had done something ere this. When he hears that Sir John is well enough to meet them at Conwy or Bangor, the Bishop will take order to put it into execution.

Sends the certificate of Nantmawr. Has enquired for a nag for Mr Bud, but can hear of none worth sending. Thinks the best place to buy one in is Smithfield.

Having more seriously considered Sir John's words about the living that has fallen to him, the writer went to St Asaph, and the first words spoken by the Bishop, after salutation, were: 'Mr Dr, will you accept of the vicarage of Llanrwst if I make it void for you?' The writer decided to accept it thankfully and to leave Bangor diocese and England too, and to come and live upon it, which was the Bishop's desire; for the writer told him that he would rather have £40 a year where Sir John was than three-score in any place of Wales besides. Hopes ere long to come to continue his leisure at Llanrwst.

Will send the venison to Bodvell when thoroughly cooled. A side [of venison] will be sent to Gloddeth with half a hoop of wheat. Vicar Lloid has received his letter. A buck is to be sent to the Bishop of Bangor. Cannot come by the lemons mentioned in the note, because they are under lock in my Lady's closet. The beer shall be brewed next week.

Sent the buttery book and money by David Anwyl and marvels that Sir John has not received them. Sent for Harry ap Hugh who could not come from his harvest unless someone were appointed in his stead; wrote also to Ellis ap John David ap Hoell, but he cannot come this fortnight; when he does he will bring the money with him.

Money business with Rice Williams of Paternoster Row, who is gone into the country. Sir Ralph Hare is dead and his eldest son is married to Mr Attorney-General's daughter. There is a post arrived from the Prince on Monday last, who brings news that he lies in his ship and awaits a wind to bring him home to England. Has sent a cornet which cost 20s. Was [advi]sed not to buy a new one, which would have cost 30s. Sends also a gilt bowl with Sir John's arms thereon, which in the opinion of cousin Williams of Cheap is well worth the £12 paid for it. It is an old piece, well wrought, and will make as fair a s[ight] upon a cupboard as another of a double valu[e]. Will buy a viall de Gambo for Mary Bodvel and send it by the carriers. The first portion is missing. Margins damaged.